Mirrored Fragments of Reality

Inspired by Lee Friedlander, I used the reflection of the pedestrian sitting down, reflected the ad’s glass to create a similar composition to Lee Friedlander’s “Reflections of the street”. I combined the reflection of “reality” with this black and green ad to make it seem like one.  This image explores the theme of loneliness and space, with the convenient angle where the person was positioned and the black background, emphasizing that feeling of space and emptiness. Furthermore, I intentionally use the Dutch angle to try to perfectly frame the entire image, centralizing the person and leaving negative space around her. I also turned the light down post-edit to make the black background stand out.

Inspired by Lisette Model, I used the fragments of glass on the wall which reflected the branches and leafs to create a similar composition to Lisette Model’s “Reflections, Window, Fifty-seventh Street, New York (1939-1945)”, where two “worlds” intertwine with one another to become one. I combined the reflection of “reality” with the white wall to make it seem like portals of fragments of reality. This image explores the concept of reality, with what seems to be a boring white wall with nothing interesting on it, but in close up, we could see glimpse “another world”, no longer boring or monotone. Furthermore, I used a slight Dutch angle, positioned on ground level to not only try to get the reflection right, but to close in on the wall of really get the lines of the wall as well in the image, creating an overall visually appealing composition.

Again inspired by Lisette Model, I used the rear view mirror of an fire truck which reflected the face of an black and white ad to create a similar composition to Lisette Model’s “Reflections, Window, Fifty-seventh Street, New York (1939-1945)”, where two “worlds” intertwine with one another to become one. I combined the reflection of one “world” with the black and white ad to make it seem like the person in the ad is looking at you. This image also explores the concept of reality, with the inside of a mundane fire trucks’ instrument panel, combined with the reflection of the ad behind, perfectly cut and framed by the steering wheel. Furthermore, I used framing, shot in an high angle shot,  to try to get the reflection of the face on the ad to get perfectly isolated by the steering wheel to make the face and eye of the ad stand out.

‘

A Total of 950 Pictures:

My project is about taking pictures of the 798 Art District in Beijing using reflections. I’ll focus on the buildings and show people without actually showing them. I want to make people feel curious and think about what they’re seeing.

I’m getting ideas from photographers like Naoya Hatakeyama, who takes pictures of reflections in water. I’ll use things like mirrors and windows to create cool reflections. The pictures will be in black and white to make them look artsy. I’ll also use blurry backgrounds to make the reflections stand out. I hope people will see the city in a new way and think about how we all fit into it.

Miniature Market Marvels

Inspiration:

My four photographs are inspired by Tatsuya Tanaka’s Miniature Calendar series and focus on the theme of shopping. The setup features two iPhones placed on top of a laptop, with the iPhones displaying pictures of food while the laptop screen shows a vibrant shopping area as the background. LEGO minifigures are positioned on either side of the iPhones, pretending to shop and browse items on the screens, creating a playful and imaginative scene. Adding to the story, three Apple Mouses are lined up beside the laptop, representing cars that the LEGO figures used to arrive at this digital “marketplace.” Each photograph captures this creative setup from different angles, highlighting the blend of everyday technology and miniature storytelling in a unique and engaging way.

Deeper analyzation:

Photo One features an overhead shot of the computer setup, capturing the entire arrangement of the two iPhones, LEGO figures, and the laptop. This angle provides a clear view of how all elements interact within the scene, allowing viewers to appreciate the overall composition and context.

Photo Two takes a ground-level shot from the right side of the computer. This perspective offers a close-up view of the LEGO figures as they engage with the iPhones. By applying the Rule of Thirds, I positioned key elements along the grid lines to create balance and draw attention to the figures while using depth of field to blur the background slightly, adding focus to the action in the foreground.

Photo Three also utilizes ground-level techniques but zooms in closer on the LEGO figures as they appear to get out of their “cars,” represented by the Apple Mouses. This close-up enhances the storytelling aspect, making it feel like a moment captured in time as they prepare for their shopping adventure.

Finally, photo Four maintains similar techniques but shifts focus to highlight details on the screens of the iPhones and laptop. By emphasizing these elements, viewers can see what the LEGO figures are “shopping” for, creating a more immersive experience. Each angle contributes to a cohesive narrative while showcasing different facets of this playful shopping scene.

Translucent Loneliness

*From up to down chronologically:

1.  In this photograph, I applied the Rule of Third, which distributed/utilized more of the right side of the picture. This creates a more dynamic and balanced competition. I also left open spaces around the main focus and created a sense of isolation and loneliness. As well as the use of the colorful book stack in the center, it contrast with the white two third portion of the background, again provoking that feel of separation from “society”.
2. Balance, Negative space, Word use
3. Framing, Balance, Color
4. Negative space, Color
5. Perspective, Framing, Depth of Field
6. “Microwave rabbit”: Negative space, Color/tone,  balance
7.  Perspective, framing,  slight dutch angle
8.  Framing, color/tone, balance
9. Depth of Field, Dutch angle, balance, space, color/tone